Today I am tasting the 2006 Primus by Veramonte from Chile. This Bordeaux style blend of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Syrah, 17% Merlot and 16% Carmenere is available for around $20. Kudos to Veramonte for such good labeling of the varietal percentage used.
Day One
I’ve just opened this wine and let it breathe for only 30 minutes.
Color
In the glass this wine is a dark purple with a dark ruby rim.
Aroma
On the nose there is quite a bit of oak at first. Next there are dark berries including black berry and mulberry components. In addition, there is a hint of strawberry. Overall it has a good nose and isn’t shy.
Flavor
Loads of oak throughout this wine. It is a bit challenging to find the flavor of the wine. It finishes a little too hot for me as well. It has a medium to full body and on the attack there is some dark cherry and black berry. The mid-palate shows some sour cherry and dry tannins. The finish is long and dominated by the oak with some herbaceous notes such as oregano and thyme. I really like the tannins. It will pair well with smoked meat and strong flavored cheese.
Rating
This wine is not a good match for my palate. I rate it 81 points.
Day Two
The wine has now been open for over 24 hours and was re-corked after Day One.
Aroma
The oak is still quite prominent on the nose of this wine. There are also good components of strawberries, black currant and blackberries. A hint of mint is also noticeable.
Flavor
Blackberries on the attack quickly replaced by black cherry. The mid palate has some nice sour cherry and the finish is really hot with a herbaceous touch. The tannins are impressive, so this wine is probably going to last for a very long time. The only really big difference from the prior day is the intensity of the cherry which has improved the flavor.
Rating
This wine is not an easy wine to drink and isn’t showing well at this stage. As such it isn’t a match for my palate. I rate it 83 points.
Summary
Although this wine improved over time, it never really became enjoyable. It is well made and has some great tannins but needs better fruit for me to really get into it.
Have you had it? If so, did it match your palate?
